martedì 29 dicembre 2015

Offida Pecorino

Offida Pecorino is a wine DOCG (Documentation of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin), since 2011. It draws its name from Offida, an ancient city near Ascoli Piceno in Le Marche (Region of Central Italy).

Known and appreciated from the ducal courts already in the '500, the Pecorino is officially mentioned in a classification of Italian vines in 1871.

Pecorino is a vine native of a wide area which comprises the South of Le Marche, the north of Abruzzo and some eastern areas of Lazio, originally grown in hilly terrain also at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, where it has proven its resistance to difficult climate.

Despite its excellent properties, the Pecorino gradually disappears from the vineyards because of its poor performance, seriously risking extinction.

It's saved for the tenacity of some farmers, particularly attached to the traditions that have kept alive this ancient variety, first for to improve the wines of poor quality, then to present it again to the wine-makers and more refined consumers.

The grapes Pecorino has a long bunch, with conical shape irregular, the berries are small and spherical, the skin is thin and quite substantial. The leaf is of medium size, heart-shaped, rounded, with five little lobes, serrated and notched, supported by a pale green peduncle with reddish hues, while the branch is puny, reddish in color and with many knots.

The production area of Pecorino Offida is in the hills of the province of Ascoli Piceno, between the rivers Aso and Tronto, where there are the countries of Offida, Ripatransone and Monsampolo.

Properties: Offida Pecorino has a pale yellow color with light green reflections and the scent of tropical fruit and broom.

Consumption: should be consumed quite young, usually not more than two years of age, served at a temperature of 8-10 ° C. It goes well with fish and white meat.

Feasts and fairs where you can taste the wine Offida Pecorino:
- wine market "Colli Piceni" - Offida, in early September;
- carnival of Offida - Offida, in February;
- exhibition of Merletto - Offida, the last days of June and early July;
- feast of the Ciavarro - Ripatransone, during the month of July.